This weekend I’m heading to the Runner’s World Half and Festival that is presented by Altra Running. Since I’m an Altra Running ambassador, I’m pretty excited about meeting the founder of Altra Running, Golden Harper. Golden originally created his first pair of Zero Drop™ shoes using an old pair of running shoes and a toaster oven!
Rumor has it that we will have the opportunity to be fitted by Altra staff. I look forward to hearing if they think I am running in the correct Altra shoe for me.
I’ve been wearing Altra running shoes for a while now. A few years ago, I transitioned to minimalist running, including running barefoot on my treadmill and using Vibram Five Fingers when I was outside. While I enjoyed that style of running, I am mostly a pavement runner and found that a half marathon was my max distance in those types of shoes (and my feet were pretty trashed at the end of a half.) So, I began transition back to “more” shoe. Trial and error did nothing except aggravate my Morton’s neuroma.
Enter Altra Running.
I was given a pair of Altra Intuition 1.5 when I was an ambassador for ZOOMA Annapolis. It was love at first run. The cushioning combined with Zero Drop™ and their FootShape™ toe box was absolutely perfect for me. Thanks to their toe box, my neuroma slowly stopped bothering me and I haven’t had pain there since I transitioned to Altra’s full time.
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In fact, I loved the Intuition 1.5 so much that I became an Altra Ambassador.
So, how did I go from the Intuition, which is a moderately cushioned shoe, to the Altra One which is lightly cushioned? Well, when I didn’t like the Intuition 2 as much as the 1.5, I jumped to the Altra One 2. I felt like I was running on clouds! So lightweight, so comfy. Just perfect.
The Altra One 2.5 is the newest version of the Altra One.
Here’s what Altra has to say about it:
The new One 2.5 is built for speed, without sacrificing the comfort needed to maintain it through the finish line. A FootShape™ toe box lets your toes relax and move freely for incredible comfort, extra stability and a more powerful toe-off. Innerflex™ technology adapts to the flexion of your foot with omnidirectional flex grooves in the midsole. Responsive A-Bound™ cushioning protects the feet at impact and rebounds to add a spring to each step. The weight-balanced, Zero Drop™ platform helps you maintain low-impact form, even when fatigue sets in at the end of a hard race or workout. Go fast, go hard and stay comfortable from step one to the finish line with the new One 2.5.
Why Zero Drop™?
Zero Drop™ means that there is no drop between the heel and toe of the shoe. (Traditional running shoes have around a 12mm drop.) This lack of drop helps keep your foot in it’s natural position, as well as allowing for a more powerful push off. It also helps maintain a more midfoot/forefoot landing instead of heel striking. For many, switching from a heel strike to midfoot solves their running injuries.
I ran three of the Center of the Nation races wearing a pair of Altra One 2.5s (the other 3 were in the One^2). I had no blisters or rubbing of any kind (even on the day we ran in the pouring rain.) They supported my feet well and allowed my toes to splay completely. I find the 2.5s responsive and flexible. One of the changes from the 2 is that the grooves are no longer the perfect size to pick up gravel during runs, which is a huge improvement to me.
I love these shoes. If you are already wearing zero drop or low drop shoes, but are looking for a cushioned neutral shoe, the Altra One 2.5 is your shoe. If you aren’t already in that type of shoe, the Altra One 2.5 could be your shoe, but please transition slowly! Moving to a low drop shoe too quickly can mess up your calves. (I have personal experience with that!)
This weekend, I will be running (fingers crossed) four races in my Altras – probably a mix of One^2, One 2.5, and Intuition 3.0. And then, next weekend, I’ll be taking the 2.5’s on their inaugural marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon.
Have you tried Altra Running shoes? I’m super excited to meet the founder and learn more about running in the Altras with good form!
Disclaimer: I am an Altra ambassador, but I was not asked to write a review of the Altra shoes (affiliate link). All opinions are my own.
I have a pair of Newtons that I got precisely for the wider toe box. I actually went to my local store to try on Altras and they don’t carry them! So bummed. But I’ll go to my next closest store and try them there. Thanks for posting this review. 🙂
Rachel recently posted…Life Recap! Fun Family Time
I’ve always wanted to try the Altra shoes but am reluctant to just up and buy a pair without knowing if they are the right shoe for me. But I always hear really great things about them so maybe next time I’m buying I will get some! Great review!! 🙂
Kristen Grimes recently posted…Vixen Capri Skirt Giveaway Winner!
I’ve never heard of these shoes before, but they sound interesting. I can imagine that extra toe space is a god-send for runners.
Maureen recently posted…5 Recipes That Use Butternut Squash
Good explanation and description of how the shoes are different. It’s great that you have found your dream shoe. Have fun this weekend!
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Zengo Cycle- A sweaty good ride
These look interesting. I have heard great things about these shoes especially for long distances. Thanks for sharing.
Ivanna recently posted…Mighty Nut Peanut Butter Oat & Chocolate Energy Ball Recipe
I have wanted to try a pair of Altra’s. I wear Hokas so I wanted something with similar cushion. I would be interested to see how I would do with the Zero Drop. I hope we have Altra Demo night here at our specialty store so I can test run in them.
Artney @ My Pretty Brown Fit recently posted…Super Stuffed Veggie Tacos + Giveaway!
I got a pair when I was a ZOOMA ambassador too. I really liked them but couldn’t run long distances in them. I think they were just so different from what I was used to. I still wore them at the gym and for walks though.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Fueling the Long Run with Meals on the Run
This is very interesting about the info on the zero drop! I’m going to have to check into these! 🙂
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…Adjusting to Morning Workouts
I absolutely LOVED my Altra Olympus but my doctors thought that the zero drop shoes is what was causing my injuries. I am back in regular shoes now.
Have a blast at Runner’s World. You will indeed get fitted for a pair of Altras and get pampered by all the companies there! It is such a great time. I went as a blogger a few years ago. If I can ever find it in my schedule to do so, i’d like to make it back there again. They had one of the best expos!
So cool to hear your Altra “story.” I haven’t tried them but know the wider toe box would be good for so many people.
Coco recently posted…Hiking Mount Sanitas And Horsetooth Rock In Colorado
These look like they’d save me from the dreaded black toenails! Great review!
I would have loved these had they not been zero drop. My calves can’t handle the zero drop sadly, but I know my toes would love that huge toe box!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Ragnar Washington D.C. Recap–Day 1
I’ve heard great things about Altras, but you have to admit that they do look like bowling shoes, right?
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Chicago Marathon Race Recap: No Giving Up
I have to admit I do not like the way it looks but I am all for foot health. No one wants to deal with chafing or bunions due to poor shoe shape.
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Drink Better Water
Why am I just now finding out about these?? My poor preggo feet need these ASAP.
Jessica recently posted…Five Fabulous Fashion Blogs
This was really interesting! I have been fitted for shoes at Fleet Feet but I would enjoy trying these Altras. I need to learn more about drop zero also.
Becki S recently posted…Siggi’s Yogurt Tube Review
I tried Altra’s when I went to Runner’s World in 2013. I liked them but never made the full transition. Golden had such great advice for runners!
Toni recently posted…Weekly Workout Wrap Up, NYC Marathon Training, Weeks 12-13 #TEAMASICSNYCM
I’ve never seen Altras at all! I tried minimalist shoes and they didn’t work for me. I wish I was going to Runners World, good luck!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Running Club Roundup: Philly Runners
Have so much fun this weekend!! There are so many running bloggers going and it should be a blast 🙂
The zero drop is not the right fit for me, but I have heard so many great things about Altras!!
You rock for also doing Marine Corp Marathon next weekend!!
Natalie recently posted…Rock n Roll Vegas, Baby!
My feet love shoes that have enough room to embrace the space! I’m so sad I’m not with you guys this weekend.
jill conyers recently posted…How Much Time Do I Need To Exercise?
Great review. I have run in Altra and it took me a few runs to get used to teh feel of my feet/toes as they were no longer squished. 🙂 Great shoe!
rachel recently posted…Healthy Hydration
I LOVE my Altras! It was also love at first run for me. I started with the intuition 2.0 and moved on to the superior trail shoes. I feel like Spider-Man when I’m out running trails. Loose gravel or dirt on inclines has nothing on me!